Free Memories by Deanna Lynn Sletten Page B

weekend." Dani knew this because of an earlier conversation with Traycee. She was confident Traycee would be more than willing to take on the assignment.
     "He asked specifically for you," Trindell said steadily.
     This threw Dani off-balance. "Oh. I see. Well…"
     "Now Dani," Trindell interrupted. "If there is any reason you don't want to do this, I'll understand completely. Don't feel you have to just because he asked for you." He emphasized the word 'he' coldly, like a father protecting his daughter from some unseemly character.
     Dani couldn't help but smile at his protective behavior in spite of the anger she felt over the spot Miguel was putting her in. To push himself on her in his own territory was one thing, but to do so in her office was another.
     For a moment she thought of saying no. After all, she had plans that she didn't want to cancel. But then, she knew that if she didn't go along with it this time, he'd only keep trying. Finally, she decided she had to put a stop to him once and for all and the only way was a face-to-face confrontation. Once she made it clear to him she was no longer interested then they could get on with their lives.
     Trindell misinterpreted Dani's long silence. "I'll just tell him you can't make it," he offered. "After all, it was too late of notice for a holiday weekend anyway."
     Dani shook her head. "No, Carl, it's okay. I'll meet with him if that's what he wants."
     Trindell studied her a moment. "Are you sure? He seems a bit..." it was Trindell's turn to hesitate. "Pushy," he finished.
     Dani laughed, making Trindell's creased frown turn into a smile. "He is pushy. And arrogant. And over-confident, and a few other choice words I'd rather not say. But it's okay, Carl. I've know him a long time and I know how to handle him." She stood to leave and Trindell walked her to the door.
     "All right," he said. "But I think I'll be around that day, just in case."
     "Thanks, Carl." As Dani opened the door to leave, she had a thought. "Do you think we could arrange an early morning meeting? Maybe I could still get out of here by noon and make it up to my parents for the weekend."
     "Sure, I don't see why not. And Dani, thanks."
     Dani only smiled and headed back to her desk. As she sat there, she began to think that maybe this meeting was for the best. She could get Miguel out of her life once and for all. The more she thought about it, the better she felt.
     
     
    Dani arrived early at the store Saturday morning for her meeting with Miguel. Since it was a holiday weekend, and expected to be very busy, she'd arranged for the coat department staff to be there an hour before opening to meet with him. She figured she could give him a tour of the rest of the store afterward and, hopefully, be out of there by noon.
     Dani had called her mother earlier in the week to let her know about the delay. Her mother understood, knowing how seriously Dani took her job, and was pleased to hear she still planned to come. This morning, though, her mother had called her again to warn her about the storm reports.
     "They're predicting thunderstorms and hail for this afternoon and evening," Mrs. Westerly said with concern in her voice. "Check the weather report before leaving, dear. I don't want you getting caught in a storm."
     Dani promised she would and was annoyed to see it begin to rain, the wind blowing fiercely, as she drove into Minneapolis. Minnesota weather was so unpredictable at times, especially summer and fall.
     She brushed aside her annoyance at the weather as she examined the coat department. Everything looked in fine order. Coats were tagged for the Fall Sale and the displays looked wonderful. Who did Miguel think he was, suggesting that a prestigious store like Chance's might need his advice on coat displays? That just showed the gall and conceit he had.
     Kelly Suther, the Coat Department Manager, came over and talked with Dani about the Regal Coat line. She was young but very